As local fans filed into Fifth Third Ballpark on College Rivalry Night, baseball superfan Marge Neering was about to have her wish come true. Hundreds of passionate Michiganders began to sit down in their blue ad yellow University of Michigan jerseys while their rival fans sat adjacent to them, proudly showcasing their green and white Michigan State shirts. The players made their way to the dugouts as Marge watched on from the side of the field. She was getting to see her grandson throw the first pitch as the local West Michigan Whitecaps took on the Bowling Green Hot Rods in Grand Rapids.
Marge is a lifelong Michigander. She has been married to her husband, John, for 65 years. They have five children, six grandchildren and a dog named Julie. She was a stay-at-home mom before she worked at Jacobson’s in the shoe department. A devout Catholic, Marge and her husband loved traveling they’ve been all over the United States and Europe.
Marge and her family are avid baseball fans and enjoy traveling to different stadiums each year. this year, it was different. It was really special. Marge’s patient wish was to watch her West Michigan Whitecaps on College Rivalry Night with her family. The Neering family wore custom jerseys, with “Emmanuel” written on the back above the number 19 and “Emmanuel Hospice” branded on the front. It was a night to remember.